Longtime suspect in Etan Patz case released, then held on new charges

By JOANN LOVIGLIO, Associated Press

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

PHILADELPHIA (AP) ó Authorities say a man long considered the prime suspect in the disappearance of a New York City boy more than three decades ago was released from prison then immediately taken into custody on a Meganís Law violation.

Pennsylvania State Police say 69-year-old convicted pedophile Jose Ramos was released from a state prison early Wednesday then immediately arrested for failing to provide authorities accurate information as required of sex offenders.

Ramos had long been a suspect in the disappearance 1979 disappearance of 6-year-old Etan Patz (AYí-tahn payts), who vanished after leaving his Manhattan home for a bus stop two blocks away.

A new suspect was charged this year with Etanís murder after confessing. The manís lawyer says his client is mentally ill.

Police did not immediately specify what information Ramos failed to provide.

Ramos was declared responsible for Etanís death in a civil court in 2004, but the Manhattan district attorneyís office has said there wasnít enough evidence to charge him criminally. Ramos has denied any involvement in Etanís disappearance.

Earlier this year, a new suspect named Pedro Hernandez was charged with Etanís murder after police said he confessed this spring. His lawyer, Harvey Fishbein, has said Hernandez is mentally ill, and authorities have not cited any additional evidence to implicate him beyond his own admission.

Prosecutors are expected this month to announce whether they believe thereís evidence enough to continue pursuing a case against Hernandez, who worked at a convenience store near Etanís home when the boy disappeared and told police he strangled the boy and stuffed his body in a trash bag.